Summer is almost over...and it doesn't quite feel like it because first of all I have not snapped out of relaxing beach mode and secondly I have two research papers waiting to be written. Boo summer classes.
Paris is winding down from l'été as well. Paris plage is all cleaned up and the free festivals are all holding their last shows. So rather than spend time with Microsoft Word I am enjoying the last bits of summer culture.
Last Friday I had the absolute joy of catching the last film of the Cinéma au Clair de Lune. This is an amazing, and free, summer outdoor cinema program the government puts on in local parks. They set up a huge blow up screen, place some chairs and play a film after sunset. A darling fellow UC student and I made ourselves some dinner (yes I am cooking...occasionally) then went to enjoy 'Goodbye Lenin'. I have actually had the soundtrack for some time now (music was by Yann Tiersen, he also did Amelie) and don't think I can express the happiness that is me finally seeing this movie and for free to boot. It was a little difficult as it is a German film, so we had to crane around people to read the french subtitles, but overall a most fantastic night.
Now I have to be better behaved and write vast paragraphs comparing french and american cultures concerning cosmetiques followed by a paper about young people as consumers. yay.
love and the last days of summer : )
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Le Sable, le soleil, et Deutsch
Finished what has been a whirlwind week of sun, sand, spending too much money, and it was truly a blast
: )
Now time to rehash everything that has been happening, so apologies ahead of time for the length of this particular post.
Daniel, my darling cousin pictured above (no he is not burning himself, that is his 'cooking face' or at least what he did when I requested his best cooking face), arrived in Paris a little later than expected, which meant crunch time to see the city. We walked literally all over so he could see the sights and get a feel for Parisian life, there really is nothing like walking between those tall Haussman buildings on cobblestones streets. Unfortunately his sandals gave him a few blisters, I did ask if he was thinking of leaving his Maui island style behind, maybe some loafers, he laughed and said its been a while since he has worn shoes. We ate some yummy Turkish pita by the Seine, enjoyed a few pints at the local Irish bar, before finally letting him get some sleep.
Next day was an attempt to find a marché for some fresh produce so he could show off his cooking skills to no avail, so we settled for the local grocery store. Then Le temps des Cerises for a late lunch, followed by a relaxed walk around more sights, and then cooking in prep for dinner. I pretended I could remember it all, but I just hope he stops by again sometime to prepare a dinner for me again, the boy can cook! Then it was off to a jazz club for a bit, where he ordered drinks all by himself, then off to bed to catch some sleep before our 415 cab to the airport for the EARLY flight to Biarritz.
We arrived safe and sound if a little bleary eyed to meet his lovely German lady friend Suzanne and her buddy Jogen (sorry, I am not at all good at spelling German names, apologies to anyone who's name I butcher) We toured rainy Biarritz for a bit, as pictured above we are enjoying the cliffsides and clouds. Then off to get some camping supplies before heading a little less than 2 hours outside of Biarritz to Cap de l'Homy for camping! Below is my first sunset...the first of many, sorry for the ridiculous amount of sunset pictures, but it was just breathtakingly glorious everytime...
Cap de l'Homy where I am about 80 percent sure we were staying, difficult to be certain due to small town status of the places so they are often not on a map, was a campground apparently marketed primarily to Germans. That made for interesting conversations, but I got by with smiles, nods, danka, and Suzanne's flawless translating abilities. The site itself was in a forest, a sand pile away from the surf. It was almost disorienting to stand on top of the dune and to have in the west ocean and thick green forest to the east. Pictured above is our site, the little lime green bad-boy in the middle was my warm cocoon for the week. The days were a little chillier than I had expected, thus my internal body temp was a little sad I had only brought sandals, one pair of jeans, and a single sweater, but they got a lot of use.
My vacation was amazingly laid back, woke up late everyday, walks on the beach, some reading, good eating, etc. During warm days we spent most of it on the sand and in the water (no sunburns, it was a miracle). During colder days we ate at local towns, caught a movie, and even spent a day in the Pyrénées mountains, which was amusing since Basque country is so close to Spain they have a distinct spanish flavor to the culture, such as the bull festivities along with the red and white attire. The pic of the valley above was one of the villages along our route where I actually found some really cute cheap 'local style' shoes. The bay with the sailboats was also along our tour in a town with tasty quiche. The last two days were warm and sunny with lots of beach time.
Yesterday I had to wake up around dawn to catch the ONLY bus heading in the direction I needed to go, relax with the ipod for the 3 hour ride to Bayonne train station, where I had approximately 6 hours to kill before I should even consider heading to the airport... and no where to store the luggage (took a suitcase off of Daniel's hands so he doesn't have to lug it around India). So I trudge in the rain a bit, you would think France would figure out its August already and stop with the storms for a bit, seeing if any local hotels will hold the bags for me with no luck. Consider lugging the big guy around Bayonne for a bit, but the increased ferocity of the rain stops this idea, so back to the station to wait a bit. I then take a leisurely 2 hour lunch at a nearby restaurant, reading my french newspaper, sipping my café, and feeling very french (except for my sandals and UCLA sweatshirt, very NOT french). Back to the train station and out of the rain for some sudoku, when boredom really starts to set in, so I head to the airport early just for somethinig to do. Arrive and kick myself for not making the trip earlier because they are showing the USA vs Italy olympic volleyball match in their café. So I grab a muffin and a coffee, catch the last two games, along with some of the weightlifting before checking in only to discover they have changed our flight, so arriving in Orly and not CDG. Not a real problem as both are in Paris, but annoying in that I have never been to Orly and was getting in late, so transport home might have been a little difficult. But it all went well, and now I have officially seen both airports, CDG is much prettier.
Now lots of random shots from the trip, including sunsets, Suzanne trying a regional shot (green liquid tasted like mouthwash, and not in a good way, ugh), and the most amazing hammock in the world... spent many naps there.
kisses and sand from across the Atlantic, muah!
: )
Now time to rehash everything that has been happening, so apologies ahead of time for the length of this particular post.
Daniel, my darling cousin pictured above (no he is not burning himself, that is his 'cooking face' or at least what he did when I requested his best cooking face), arrived in Paris a little later than expected, which meant crunch time to see the city. We walked literally all over so he could see the sights and get a feel for Parisian life, there really is nothing like walking between those tall Haussman buildings on cobblestones streets. Unfortunately his sandals gave him a few blisters, I did ask if he was thinking of leaving his Maui island style behind, maybe some loafers, he laughed and said its been a while since he has worn shoes. We ate some yummy Turkish pita by the Seine, enjoyed a few pints at the local Irish bar, before finally letting him get some sleep.
Next day was an attempt to find a marché for some fresh produce so he could show off his cooking skills to no avail, so we settled for the local grocery store. Then Le temps des Cerises for a late lunch, followed by a relaxed walk around more sights, and then cooking in prep for dinner. I pretended I could remember it all, but I just hope he stops by again sometime to prepare a dinner for me again, the boy can cook! Then it was off to a jazz club for a bit, where he ordered drinks all by himself, then off to bed to catch some sleep before our 415 cab to the airport for the EARLY flight to Biarritz.
We arrived safe and sound if a little bleary eyed to meet his lovely German lady friend Suzanne and her buddy Jogen (sorry, I am not at all good at spelling German names, apologies to anyone who's name I butcher) We toured rainy Biarritz for a bit, as pictured above we are enjoying the cliffsides and clouds. Then off to get some camping supplies before heading a little less than 2 hours outside of Biarritz to Cap de l'Homy for camping! Below is my first sunset...the first of many, sorry for the ridiculous amount of sunset pictures, but it was just breathtakingly glorious everytime...
Cap de l'Homy where I am about 80 percent sure we were staying, difficult to be certain due to small town status of the places so they are often not on a map, was a campground apparently marketed primarily to Germans. That made for interesting conversations, but I got by with smiles, nods, danka, and Suzanne's flawless translating abilities. The site itself was in a forest, a sand pile away from the surf. It was almost disorienting to stand on top of the dune and to have in the west ocean and thick green forest to the east. Pictured above is our site, the little lime green bad-boy in the middle was my warm cocoon for the week. The days were a little chillier than I had expected, thus my internal body temp was a little sad I had only brought sandals, one pair of jeans, and a single sweater, but they got a lot of use.
My vacation was amazingly laid back, woke up late everyday, walks on the beach, some reading, good eating, etc. During warm days we spent most of it on the sand and in the water (no sunburns, it was a miracle). During colder days we ate at local towns, caught a movie, and even spent a day in the Pyrénées mountains, which was amusing since Basque country is so close to Spain they have a distinct spanish flavor to the culture, such as the bull festivities along with the red and white attire. The pic of the valley above was one of the villages along our route where I actually found some really cute cheap 'local style' shoes. The bay with the sailboats was also along our tour in a town with tasty quiche. The last two days were warm and sunny with lots of beach time.
Yesterday I had to wake up around dawn to catch the ONLY bus heading in the direction I needed to go, relax with the ipod for the 3 hour ride to Bayonne train station, where I had approximately 6 hours to kill before I should even consider heading to the airport... and no where to store the luggage (took a suitcase off of Daniel's hands so he doesn't have to lug it around India). So I trudge in the rain a bit, you would think France would figure out its August already and stop with the storms for a bit, seeing if any local hotels will hold the bags for me with no luck. Consider lugging the big guy around Bayonne for a bit, but the increased ferocity of the rain stops this idea, so back to the station to wait a bit. I then take a leisurely 2 hour lunch at a nearby restaurant, reading my french newspaper, sipping my café, and feeling very french (except for my sandals and UCLA sweatshirt, very NOT french). Back to the train station and out of the rain for some sudoku, when boredom really starts to set in, so I head to the airport early just for somethinig to do. Arrive and kick myself for not making the trip earlier because they are showing the USA vs Italy olympic volleyball match in their café. So I grab a muffin and a coffee, catch the last two games, along with some of the weightlifting before checking in only to discover they have changed our flight, so arriving in Orly and not CDG. Not a real problem as both are in Paris, but annoying in that I have never been to Orly and was getting in late, so transport home might have been a little difficult. But it all went well, and now I have officially seen both airports, CDG is much prettier.
Now lots of random shots from the trip, including sunsets, Suzanne trying a regional shot (green liquid tasted like mouthwash, and not in a good way, ugh), and the most amazing hammock in the world... spent many naps there.
kisses and sand from across the Atlantic, muah!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Mon cousin
I am on the hunt for a new boulangerie. Near my former home during the travel study summer program in the 13th district there was a bakery that had the tastiest baguettes perhaps in all of Paris. Yet, now that I am a bit farther from Place d'Italie, I have taken it upon myself to find a new artisant near the apt. Sampling will begin today (hopefully some exercise as well)
Also, good news! Daniel officially arrives in Paris this afternoon! Little later than expected, but we shall make due. We will have a little less than 2 days for him to see Paris before we head off to do some camping at the beach for a week. Updates probably will have to wait until we get back, cause 48 hours is not a great deal of time to see this beautiful city, and last I heard wireless does not exist on the sand (plus I would not want to risk the electronics that close to water).
love and bread : )
Also, good news! Daniel officially arrives in Paris this afternoon! Little later than expected, but we shall make due. We will have a little less than 2 days for him to see Paris before we head off to do some camping at the beach for a week. Updates probably will have to wait until we get back, cause 48 hours is not a great deal of time to see this beautiful city, and last I heard wireless does not exist on the sand (plus I would not want to risk the electronics that close to water).
love and bread : )
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Les nuages
Paris was graced with a terrifyingly large thunderstorm last night, the thunder rolled with such grandeur I actually woke up, which is saying something since I have been told I sleep like a rock. The morning dawned with innocent fluffy white in the sky, so I thought it safe to venture out...only to be a good 4 districts from home when the rain started to fall again and hard. So I returned to my humble abode, exiting the metro, I huddled with some other drenched Parisians under a flower shop awning before finally running the last 2 blocks to my front door. I took some time to ring out my hair, change from my skirt into some pants, and grab a bit of lunch. Few hours later checked the sky to once again see nothing but white fluff, thought myself safe from further downpour so decided to mail some letters, pick up some groceries, and check out a second hand record store I had heard about. Nearly home when the sky starts to let loose yet again! Luckily I had an umbrella this time, but had worn the sandals, they are both recovering in the entryway.
Now just updating you : ) and trying to get some of the last bit of summer HW done, aka, my two rather long french papers, want to get something finished before the cousin gets here! He is flying standby, so hopefully in the next 24 hours or so I will get to pick him up from the airport. Please be praying for safe and peaceful journeys for us, we will be heading west to do some camping on a french beach for a week next Tuesday, I hope this rain finally lets up!
Some pics of the backside of Notre Dame during the evening, I get to see it fairly often, since its not terribly far from the apt.
much, much love from the slightly damp in Paris : )
Now just updating you : ) and trying to get some of the last bit of summer HW done, aka, my two rather long french papers, want to get something finished before the cousin gets here! He is flying standby, so hopefully in the next 24 hours or so I will get to pick him up from the airport. Please be praying for safe and peaceful journeys for us, we will be heading west to do some camping on a french beach for a week next Tuesday, I hope this rain finally lets up!
Some pics of the backside of Notre Dame during the evening, I get to see it fairly often, since its not terribly far from the apt.
much, much love from the slightly damp in Paris : )
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Les musées
Walking about Paris has done a number on my feet, but there is much to see, so the moleskin by Dr. Scholls was strapped on and the adventuring continues.
Saw the Pompidou for free Sunday afternoon. such an amazing museum and library! It was created by former French President Pompidou and his wife, who were both patrons of modern art. While former American presidents build libraries, French ones build museums. The pieces ranged from minimalism to anti-museum pieces. I wish I had taken an art history class at some point, it would probably make a lot more sense, the progression of one art form to the next, as it seemed from reading about the pieces, they were usually reactions to other pieces. Overall, I don't think anyone could get bored there, each piece takes time to think about it. I am considering a year pass there, which is very affordable for students, and will pay for itself after 4 visits! The first art piece reminds me of what my bro is capable of, he knows his way around spray paint, wished he would do a piece me sometime (not so subtle hint). The second pic with the colored glass was actually a room in the French equivalent of the White House during Pompidou's presidency. Third is a view from the Pompidou, wasn't even to the top floor yet, can see Sacre Coeur in the distance. Finally, a shot of my walk home, I am a lucky girl.
Also did some book shopping yesterday, I had to stop and remind myself that I do have to eat on occasion, so I put a few back, all in all spent around 15 euros on 6 books, not a bad deal at all, thank you Gibert Jeune occasion livres! Oh Dad, I found a batman comic in FRENCH! You know you want it for your birthday.
Love and lots of books from the 5th!
Saw the Pompidou for free Sunday afternoon. such an amazing museum and library! It was created by former French President Pompidou and his wife, who were both patrons of modern art. While former American presidents build libraries, French ones build museums. The pieces ranged from minimalism to anti-museum pieces. I wish I had taken an art history class at some point, it would probably make a lot more sense, the progression of one art form to the next, as it seemed from reading about the pieces, they were usually reactions to other pieces. Overall, I don't think anyone could get bored there, each piece takes time to think about it. I am considering a year pass there, which is very affordable for students, and will pay for itself after 4 visits! The first art piece reminds me of what my bro is capable of, he knows his way around spray paint, wished he would do a piece me sometime (not so subtle hint). The second pic with the colored glass was actually a room in the French equivalent of the White House during Pompidou's presidency. Third is a view from the Pompidou, wasn't even to the top floor yet, can see Sacre Coeur in the distance. Finally, a shot of my walk home, I am a lucky girl.
Also did some book shopping yesterday, I had to stop and remind myself that I do have to eat on occasion, so I put a few back, all in all spent around 15 euros on 6 books, not a bad deal at all, thank you Gibert Jeune occasion livres! Oh Dad, I found a batman comic in FRENCH! You know you want it for your birthday.
Love and lots of books from the 5th!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
La pluie!
First morning in the new apartment, and the rain on the windows' is amazing, even if the musical drumming is ruined by the occasional sound of sawing a few doors down. The apartment is doing well, I haven't managed to burn anything down yet and survived my first "shower" in the old school french tub.
God is good.
Now, off to enjoy the LAST day of sales in Paris!
Love and miss you all bunches!
God is good.
Now, off to enjoy the LAST day of sales in Paris!
Love and miss you all bunches!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Merci!
Many thanks to everyone who helped me along this apartment search from the shady to the trés chichi (chic chére), from the ile de la cité to the Blois de Vincennes, from the stinky studio to the deluxe duplex, thank you.
And special thanks to everyone who patiently gave me directions and forgave me for being late, as well as showing me around their abodes: Noelle, Aurelie, Manon, Marite, Courtney, Florence, Mathilde, Christine, Kathie, Pascale, Francesca, Ivan, Barbara, the other Barbara (and Barbara's parents), Tom, Catherine, Clementine, Laure, Adrian, Batguzere, Priscila, Brian (and Devon), Anne-Sophie, Edna, Roxanne, Cesare, Riazatti, and of course Jocelyne.
Also deepest gratitude to those who have been amazing supports during this time, such as my August roomie who needed to calm me down at least twice a day as well as listen to my endless listing of pros and cons for each place, to all in the program who lovingly left me food as they departed Paris, and my amazing and patient parents!
My current living situation is a little pricey, but a great area. I am subletting a single room in a typical parisian apartment from a director. Her place has high ceilings, on the 2nd floor, no elevator, beautiful dining room/living room area, OLD wood floors, maid (who is actually cleaning right now, little awkward), finicky wireless, and plenty of light, as well as dust from the construction a few buildings down. It should be interesting trying to figure out how exactly I want to use the space, decorate it, utilize the storage to the fullest potential, but I am excited for the beginning of the next adventure, and best news of all, you can now send care packages!
I will be posting lots of pics now! First two are the room itself and the last is the dining area.
Hugs and love from the no longer homeless in Paris!
And special thanks to everyone who patiently gave me directions and forgave me for being late, as well as showing me around their abodes: Noelle, Aurelie, Manon, Marite, Courtney, Florence, Mathilde, Christine, Kathie, Pascale, Francesca, Ivan, Barbara, the other Barbara (and Barbara's parents), Tom, Catherine, Clementine, Laure, Adrian, Batguzere, Priscila, Brian (and Devon), Anne-Sophie, Edna, Roxanne, Cesare, Riazatti, and of course Jocelyne.
Also deepest gratitude to those who have been amazing supports during this time, such as my August roomie who needed to calm me down at least twice a day as well as listen to my endless listing of pros and cons for each place, to all in the program who lovingly left me food as they departed Paris, and my amazing and patient parents!
My current living situation is a little pricey, but a great area. I am subletting a single room in a typical parisian apartment from a director. Her place has high ceilings, on the 2nd floor, no elevator, beautiful dining room/living room area, OLD wood floors, maid (who is actually cleaning right now, little awkward), finicky wireless, and plenty of light, as well as dust from the construction a few buildings down. It should be interesting trying to figure out how exactly I want to use the space, decorate it, utilize the storage to the fullest potential, but I am excited for the beginning of the next adventure, and best news of all, you can now send care packages!
I will be posting lots of pics now! First two are the room itself and the last is the dining area.
Hugs and love from the no longer homeless in Paris!
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